GOLDSBORO, Md. (AP) — Gov. Martin O’Malley has waded into a polluted lake on the Eastern Shore to call attention to environmental problems caused by leaky septic systems.

O’Malley, a Democrat, said Wednesday pollution in Lake Bonnie is the result of the state’s failure to address one of the biggest unaddressed causes of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.

A bill to require high-end septic systems for new developments has run into resistance from members of both parties this session.

While lawmakers have recommended studying the issue before moving ahead with parts of the bill they believe could stunt development, O’Malley is planning to testify in favor of an amended measure on Friday.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)